Music

Liturgical music serves to make Jewish worship meaningful and memorable.  The Union for Progressive Judaism is concerned with assuring that every worship experience is joyful and contains appropriate music.  A music workshop, focusing on the weekly Shabbat service, was held in Adelaide in 2006.  Participants brought back new tunes and new ways of conducting services in their home congregations.

The UPJ has a core of people ready to assist others in enhancing the music in their congregations.  It is not necessary to have people who can sing, read music or carry a tune.  They only need to bring their enthusiasm and commitment to Jewish worship.

You may choose to partake of any of the following musical opportunities:

  • A music clinic for your congregation focusing on your particular needs and talents
  • A region wide seminar enabling you to become an effective service leader
  • A choral workshop for those congregations that have choirs or the potential for choirs or small groups of singers.

Music Clinics

The Union for Progressive Judaism is committed to providing all of our affiliated bodies with the means to function effectively with their constituencies.  To that end, we are initiating Music Clinics.

What is a Music Clinic?

A Music Clinic is a program that is tailor made to help you enhance the music for your worship service and Jewish celebratory events in your congregations.  Our trained facilitators come to your community for a weekend and work with a group of people who are interested in enhancing the music in the congregation.  They assist with service leading and hold workshops designed to addressing your specific needs.

The goal of a Music Clinic is to have your members be more comfortable with the music of the liturgy of Shabbat and holidays.

Who may participate?

Any member who is interested in, or responsible for leading, or taking an active role in worship services, leyning Torah, or just enjoys participating actively in the community.

What skills are necessary for participation?

  • Interest and enthusiasm are the main elements.
  • Knowledge of Hebrew, reading/decoding, is helpful, but not essential.
  • An ability to read music is a plus, and a good ear for music will add a lot.
  • Playing a musical instrument is an added bonus

How much does it cost?

The cost to your community is $500 per Music Clinic.

In addition you have the following expenses:

  • Accommodations, meals and transportation for the Music Clinic team
  • Half the air fare or other transportation costs for the team to come to your community.
  • Copying of materials and CDs.  One master copy of all materials and a CD will be provided to the congregation

The UPJ pays

  • Half of the airfare or other transportation costs for the Music Clinic team to come to your community.
  • A stipend to Music Clinic Team members.
  • Initial production costs for materials and CDs.

For more information contact: upj@upj.org.au